If someone came up with trick question contest, this one would win first place. You can be sure the job interviewer is going to ask it. It may come at the beginning, middle, or end of the interview, but you won't leave the office before answering it-or not as the case may be.
No Kidding
For years I ran a language school, and I hired teachers on a regular basis. I used to ask this question. About 20% of the applicants gave strange answers. Here are some examples:
- Because I need a job
- Because I need money
- Because you put an ad in the newspaper
- Because ( and then forgets where he is and talks about a competitor)
- I don't know
- Because---er---I---um
Let's face it, if we don't do a minimum of background research on the company, we will be very uncomfortable with this question.
Where Can We Get Background Information?
Today with Internet it is easy to get background information on companies. Just type in the company name into Google or another search engine and within seconds you have the company's:
- Address
- Contact numbers
- Product line
- History
- Mission statement
- Press articles
- Annual reports
How Much Company Background Information?
Although it is a good idea to go through the entire website, it is not necessary to “study” anything. The idea is to get a general idea of what the company is all about.
- Company size
- Location: local or international
- General idea of products or services
- Press clipping for latest developments
- Mission statement: why the company exists
- Vision statement: about the company's future
- An idea of the company's financial condition
Ask Yourself the Question
Now that you have gone through the company website imagine you are in front of the interviewer. What would you answer? Ask yourself the question: Why would I like to work for this company?
Here are some ideas:
- I read in your mission statement that environment issues are very important to you. I like the idea of working for a company with this mentality.
- I read on your website that your company was founded in 1903. I like the idea of working for a company with a solid base and experience in the field.
- I read in your brochure your company is only 5 years old. I like the idea of working with a young company with new ideas and a future.
- I have always heard a lot of positive things about your company
- I visited your stand at one of the local commercial fairs and I was impressed by your products
Conclusion:
By doing some background research before going to your interview you are showing that:
- You are not there just because you wanted to get out of the rain
- You are interested in the job you are applying for
